Tenchi Muyo questions (spoilers)

[batboy2001]

I really didn't get todays episode. Like, what is the deal with trees? I don't get it, do they have some powers or something? Also, what is with the Sasami tree thing?

[Ben]

The trees are sentient. Tsunami is a tree with a psychic tie to Sasami.

That's all I really understand. Someone want to pick it up from here?

[batboy2001]

Thanks, my anime knowledge doesn't cever tenchi. Sentinient?

[Wilco911]

aka Intelligent.

[batboy2001]

Think these trees represent something from Japanese culture?

[Albright]

Well, it's tough, and not everything has been explained yet, but hopefully I can help ya out here...

There are three goddesses in the TM universe; Tsunami, Tokimi (whom you'll meet later), and another whom I won't spoil for you. I believe it is such that each goddess has a spaceship.

Juraian trees have special powers, yes; their energy keeps Juraians alive indefinitely (you'll learn more about this in the last TM ep). I don't think the goddesses and the trees are necessarily linked, except in the manner that they can be used to contact the goddesses (but Sasami already has a special link with Tsunami, so it might not work for everyone). However, since all of Jurai's ships have trees, then perhaps Tsunami's ship has a Juraian tree in it as well.

That's as far as I'm going to venture. Perhaps someone who knows better than me can clarify, but I don't know how many more answers are left to be had...

[Ben]

"Think these trees represent something from Japanese culture?"

Could be related to the anthropomorphic gods/spirits, but nothing specific leaps to mind. Off hand I'd guess it's not discretely based on any cultural element.

[CC-sama]

Ah, Lady Tsunami...

150,000 years ago, in a galaxy far away... there existed 3 High-Goddesses. Tsunami, Tokimi, and (You'll find out in OVAIII). For whatever reason, they had a falling out of some sort and went their own seperate ways. Tsunami came to Jurai, became friends with the first King of Jurai and became the genesis of the Juraian Empire's power through her promise to protect the First King, Jurai, His friends, and his desendants. Through Tsunami, the 0th Generation Tree (or the "Ship of the Beginning"), there came subsequent generations of Royal Trees. Each generation having less power than the previous. Emperor Asuza and Prince Yosho own 1st Generation Trees. Ayeka, Misaki, and Funaho own 2nd Generation Trees. etc. Only members of the 4(?) royal houses of Jurai can own a Royal Tree. These trees grant their owner a VERY long life-span, near immortality. Everything below a 3rd Generation Tree usually ends up in the hands of the Royal Navy though.

Tsunami is the first tree of Jurai, with independent power, thought and will, as well as the ability to become a space ship. 700 years ago Tsunami merges with Sasami to save her life after she fell and almost died in the Royal Tree Room. Tsunami is able to assume human form in order to communicate more easily and effectively with Juraians. This human form is based on Sasami's adult image, but it is likely that Tsunami can assume any form she chooses. This form can have substance or Tsunami can astrally project it. Tsunami is all powerful, and all knowing.

So in short - Tsunami is the Goddess of Jurai... Sasami merged with Tsunami 700 years ago when she nearly died in Ryoko's attack. When Sasami becomes old enough, Sasami and Tsunami will assimilate into one person/being, instead of being the two seperate ones they are now. Meaning Sasami is going to make Tenchi's power look like a Human stomping on a bug.

[Albright]

(applause)

[Dark Spider]

You really need a round of congratulations for that explaination. Now I understand everything

[batboy2001]

Yeah, thanks alot!

[CC-sama]

Glad I could put my mindless cache of Tenchi knowledge to good use. Or was it the fact that Tsunami is my favorite character...

[Eddy_Girly]

The Jurai ships are powered by the trees, and in the Tenchi episode, "Sasami And Tsunami," (ths part is going back when Sasami was really young) Sasami and her family were being attacked by the space pirate, Ryoko, and Sasami went to a part of the Jurai's palace where there are the ships trees. When something struck the palace, Sasami fell, and Tsunami unites to save her life. And Tsunami says that Sasami will look just like her when she reaches her age.